Markbass Minimark 150/250W 2x6 Bass Combo Amp

It's new, was probably made 2009 or late 2008. One channel, no eq - only VLE and VPF filters (pretty cool filters). 150 watts w/ two 6" speakers and 250 watts w/ 8ohm cab. Probably enough power w/ cab but as packaged it's only a practice or studio amp.

If you want the best sounding practice amp, then look no further. The features are few but I really like the VLE and VPF filters. That's all you have for tonal qualities. At 20 pounds it is the best sounding small package you can get. But do you want to spend this much for a practice amp? Okay, this amp would be great for studio applications, too. But if you need volume and you're not going through the pa then you'll need to get a cab. Then you've basically got a 250 watt head that you paid $900 for and a heavy cabinet, which is the reason I looked to the minimark - bass rigs just weigh so much. My biggest complaint is that the two 6" speakers just won't cut it past 12 o'clock. My 15 year old Peavey TKO 115 is louder, but not near as tonally rich. My Yamaha BBT500-115 has the tone and volume, but is a back breaker for an old timer to lug around.

I have a 79' Rick, a 79' Guild B302, a Tobias Killer B w/ Bartolini's, a Godin A4, and an American P w/ EMG's. The basses w/ active pickups sound good (just not loud enough for even garage rehearsal) but the basses w/out active pickups don't fair well at all. My B302 is a thunder machine, but this amp just breaks up anything on E unless I turn it down below 10 o'clock.

The P and Tobias sound fantastic. This amp does not hide sloppy playing at all. It is rather unforgiving, but that just makes you clean up your playing. It's just not audible over a drummer and guitarist. So in my mind, $800 for what is essentially a high quality practice amp is not money wisely spent.

Too new to tell, but it seems to be extremely well built.

1 year warranty. Hope I don't need it.

Been playing since 70's. This amp cannot capture the classic rock sound with any volume. It slaps and pops beautifully, just not loud. If it were lost or stolen I would hope that homeowner's insurance covered the replacement cost but I would not get the minimark again.